Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School brings silver screen to life in 'Pass the Popcorn' Nov. 2-3

VERONA -- Some of the silver screen's biggest moments will be brought to the stage in Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Drama Club's fall production "Pass the Popcorn: A Cinematic Cabaret."

The play will feature vignettes from iconic films like "Back to the Future," "Titanic" and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," to name a few.

"We have a lot of talent, eager actors and comedians," said Assistant Director Christine LaClair. LaClair has taken over the last few nights of directing from Vicky Buda, who is trapped in New York City due to Hurricane Sandy. LaClair is a senior at VVS and the secretary of the drama club.

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The production is staged like an award ceremony; cast members come onstage to act out iconic scenes from various films including dialogue and musical numbers. Clips from the original films will be displayed behind the cast members staging each scene.

"It's like the movie is coming to life," LaClair said. LaClair is in a few scenes throughout the play.

There are no leads per se, because of the play's structure and lines seem well distributed. Despite this, the presentation is still challenging, according to VVS Junior Maxwell Palese.

"It's more difficult because there is already a set standard from those films and those actors," said Palese. "I try to match their performances on stage."

Palese is portraying Doc Brown from "Back to the Future," along with many other characters throughout the show.

"'Back to the Future' is one of my favorite movies," Palese said. "I'm really glad I get to portray Doc Brown."

Palese said he was disappointed that they couldn't get a DeLorean for the production, however.

"Actors got to pick their scenes, which is another really cool part of this production," LaClair said.

"This is a great opportunity for all of us," said Megan Alley, VVS senior. "You can see everyone's talents. We all let our talents show in every scene." Alley is the vice president of the VVS Drama Club, and has been a participating member since seventh grade. She will be portraying Marilyn Monroe in "Pass the Popcorn."

"This has been my first time directing," said LaClair. "I'm glad our cast is so phenomenal."

"Pass the Popcorn" will be presented Nov. 2 and 3 in the VVS auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 general admission.